The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) of the PHMSA/USDOT require a Shipper of a hazardous material (HazMat) to describe the hazardous material on a shipping paper pursuant to 49 CFR 172, Subpart C. The Shipper must then provide a certified copy of the shipping paper to the Carrier who is responsible to maintain it throughout the hazardous material’s time in transportation. It is the responsibility of the Shipper to provide an additional description on the shipping paper if the hazardous material it offers for transportation is subject to the regulations of 49 CFR 172.203 Additional Descriptions. It is your responsibility as a Shipper of HazMat to comply with these regulations and to provide the required Function Specific training to your HazMat Employees.

1. THE ADDITIONAL
DESCRIPTION ON THE
HAZMAT SHIPPING PAPER
One presentation in a series that briefly
explains the responsibility of the Shipper
of a hazardous material to provide an
“additional description” on the shipping
paper if applicable.
49 CFR 172.203(a) @DanielsTraining 1
This presentation: 49 CFR 172.203(a):
Special Permit (aka: Exemptions)

2. PRESENTED BY:
Daniels Training Services
815.821.1550
www.DanielsTraining.com
Info@DanielsTraining.com
A different kind of training.
@DanielsTraining 249 CFR 172.203(a)

3. 49 CFR 172.203 – Additional Description
• The Shipper of a hazardous material (HazMat) is
required to describe it on a shipping paper.
• The regulations detailing the hazardous material
description are found at 49 CFR 172, Subpart C.
• An additional description of the HazMat may be
required depending on the hazardous material
and the mode of transportation.
• The shipping paper must accompany the
hazardous material shipment until it reaches its
final destination.
49 CFR 172.203(a) @DanielsTraining 3

4. Describing a Special Permit or Exemption
on the Shipping Paper
If…
• A Special Permit or Exemption is required for the
transportation of your hazardous material.
Then…
• It is necessary to indicate the Special
Permit/Exemption number on the shipping paper.
49 CFR 172.203(a) @DanielsTraining 4
“Except as provided at §173.23” …more on this later

5. Describing a Special Permit or Exemption
on the Shipping Paper
• Number must be:
• Near the HazMat description to which it applies.
• “…clearly associated with…”
And…
• Preceded by the notation:
• “DOT-SP” if issued on or after 10.01.07.
• “DOT-E” or “DOT-SP” if issued before 10.01.07.
49 CFR 172.203(a) @DanielsTraining 5
Exact location on shipping paper not specified

6. “Except as Provided at §173.23…”
• 49 CFR 173.23 – Previously Authorized
Packaging identifies specific situations where a
permanently marked packaging or shipping paper
may continue in use as long as specified
conditions are met.
Example:
• “An exemption packaging or shipping paper that
is permanently marked “DOT-E” prior to October
1, 2007, may continue in use as long as the
exemption or special permit remains valid, unless
otherwise specified in the exemption or special
permit.”
49 CFR 172.203(a) @DanielsTraining 6

7. What Does it Look Like?
49 CFR 172.203(a) @DanielsTraining 7

8. More to Consider(1)…
• Prior to October 1, 2007 a Special Permit was
identified in the HMR as an Exemption.
• A Special Permit or Exemption, if used in
compliance with the regulations, allows a Shipper
or Carrier to transport a HazMat in a manner not
allowed by the HMR.
• The use of a Special Permit by a Shipper or
Carrier will require HazMat Employee training
that addresses the requirements of the Special
Permit.
49 CFR 172.203(a) @DanielsTraining 8

9. More to Consider(2)…
• A copy of the Special Permit must be in the
possession of the Carrier and the Shipper.
• More information:
• Special Permit FAQs.
• Search for a Special Permit.
• PHMSA’s Special Permit webpage.
49 CFR 172.203(a) @DanielsTraining 9

10. 49 CFR 172.203(a) Verbatim:
(a) Special permits. Except as provided in §173.23
of this subchapter, each shipping paper issued in
connection with a shipment made under a special
permit must bear the notation “DOT–SP” followed
by the special permit number assigned and located
so that the notation is clearly associated with the
description to which the special permit applies.
49 CFR 172.203(a) @DanielsTraining 10
More…

11. 49 CFR 172.203(a) Verbatim:
…
Each shipping paper issued in connection with a
shipment made under an exemption or special
permit issued prior to October 1, 2007, may bear
the notation “DOT–E” followed by the number
assigned and so located that the notation is clearly
associated with the description to which it applies.
49 CFR 172.203(a) @DanielsTraining 11
End.

12. Got Questions
About RCRA or
HazMat
Transportation?
I provide both:
RCRA Training for
Hazardous Waste
Personnel
And…
HazMat Employee
Training
Seminar, Webinar, or
Onsite
Daniels Training Services
815.821.1550
Info@DanielsTraining.com
www.DanielsTraining.com
12@DanielsTraining49 CFR 172.203(a)
Please Like or Share!